Chicago, May 2003—Gynecologic cancer patients who have questions about intimacy and sexuality following cancer diagnosis and treatment can now refer to a brochure specifically created to answer some of their most sensitive questions about quality of life issues.

Produced by the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) in partnership with the Society of Gynecologic Nurse Oncologists (SGNO), through the support of Amgen, the brochure “Renewing Intimacy and Sexuality After Gynecologic Cancer” will be available beginning May 12, 2003. Brochure topics include: how surgery affects sexual functioning, recommendations for renewing sexual intimacy following surgery or a cancer diagnosis, partner concerns, and information about how treatments may affect desire and intimacy. Additional resources are also provided for cancer patients so that they may seek out a specialist or request further information.

“This new brochure provides an invaluable resource for gynecologic cancer patients who may have questions about sexual intimacy following cancer diagnosis or treatment,” said Dr. Bobbie Gostout. “Communicating openly and directly about such issues allows for greater patient understanding and therefore, a better recovery after cancer.” Bobbie Gostout, M.D. is the Foundation’s Communication’s Committee Chair and Assistant Professor at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Copies of the brochure may be requested by calling GCF’s Information Hotline at 1.800.444.4441, by e-mail request to info@thegcf.org, or via download from the GCF and Women’s Cancer Network Web sites—www.thegcf.org or www.wcn.org.

The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable organization established by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists in 1991 to support research related to gynecologic cancers, to fund training of clinician scientists, and to increase public awareness and information related to gynecologic cancers and their precursors. The mission of the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) is to ensure public awareness of gynecologic cancer prevention, early diagnosis and proper treatment. GCF advances this mission by increasing public and private funds that aid in the development and implementation of programs to meet these goals. GCF was named by Worth Magazine as one of “America’s 100 Best Charities.” Of the 26 health organizations listed, GCF was one of only two organizations solely focused on women’s health.